Temple residents discuss budget at town meeting

TEMPLE - A crowd of townspeople gathered Monday night for the annual meeting, deliberating over the budget and upkeep of the roughly 500-person town.

The warrant included 50 articles, including the election of two vacant town official positions: a three-year seat on the Board of Selectman and a three-year seat on the Regional School Unit 9 Board. Selectboard member Tracy Dunham won a vote for reelection while RSU9 Director Betsey Hyde was also reelected to serve another three years.

Article 4, which asked residents to fund town salaries, was increased by $10,000 from last year; when questioned by the audience Dunham said Treasurer Sue Cantrell will most likely be leaving her position at some point this year requiring the town to hire a replacement. That hire could result in training costs depending on the applicant's experience. Dunham said if no training is needed the $10,000 would be moved into the surplus account.

An article that requested to raise and appropriate $21,000 for the Temple Fire Department was approved after looking into the possibility of an increase.

"My biggest problem is lack of manpower. Throwing money at that isn't going to work," Chief David True said.

Voters approved an article that will raise and appropriate $6,000 for cemetery maintenance, that number increased by $5,000 from the previous year's budget. The funds will be used to clean up damage caused by several large trees surrounding the plot, as well as cut back on overgrowth and generally reclaim the lot, reported Selectman David Lovejoy. Several residents suggested that a Request For Proposals be sent out to the community with the hopes of finding a less expensive option.

The town report was dedicated to resident Jo Josephson, for her many years of service to her town and state.